T20 World Cup | India vs Pakistan match has 99% chance to happen on February 15: PCB sources

The India–Pakistan T20 World Cup fixture scheduled for February 15 is increasingly likely to go ahead, according to sources, as cricket boards and the ICC continue discussions to resolve a boycott dispute involving Pakistan.

“Meetings are underway, and there is a 99% chance the India–Pakistan match will take place on February 15,” sources in the Pakistan Cricket Board told IANS.

Bangladesh Cricket Board president Amin ul Islam has arrived in Lahore ahead of a virtual meeting involving the PCB and ICC. The discussions are part of efforts to resolve the standoff over Pakistan’s proposed boycott of its T20 World Cup match against India.

A former Test cricketer, Amin ul Islam met Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi in Lahore and is expected to join the virtual talks aimed at persuading Pakistan to reconsider its decision not to play India in the World T20 Cup clash scheduled for February 15.

External pressure and ICC engagement

Naqvi has not commented much on the instructions from the government to boycott the India match. However, a reliable source said the situation shifted after the Sri Lankan cricket board sent an email to the PCB urging it to end the boycott.

ICC CEO, Sang Gupta, has also travelled to Colombo to meet Sri Lankan board president Shammi Silva, who sent the email to Naqvi encouraging Pakistan to play the India match in the World Cup.

The ICC has already sought an explanation from Pakistan on how the ‘Force Majeure’ clause could be invoked to justify refusing to play the T20 World Cup match against India. The PCB had earlier attempted to place responsibility on its government regarding the decision.

Hope for marquee clash to proceed

There is now cautious optimism after the PCB approached the ICC for deliberations. An ICC Director indicated that the high-profile match could eventually take place.

The ICC is engaging with the PCB in a structured manner to explore possible solutions, with the view that the interests of the game should outweigh unilateral action.

Pakistan had decided to boycott the India match in solidarity with Bangladesh, who were replaced by Scotland after refusing to travel to India for World Cup matches citing security concerns.